Sask. premier offers ‘a touch more humility’ after strong, but diminished, approval vote

Sask. Premier Scott Moe offers ‘a touch more humility’ after a strong, but diminished, vote of approval from his party Saturday.

The Saskatchewan Party faithful gave Premier Scott Moe a renewed vote of confidence on Saturday, with “over 80 per cent” voting in favour of the leader, according to party officials.

Moe received an approval rating of 97 per cent at the last gathering two years ago, but party members have expressed disappointment in the results of the 2024 election.

Despite winning a fifth consecutive majority government, the party lost ground in the province’s major cities. It was shut out in Regina and lost all but one seat in Saskatoon.

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In his speech just before voting started on Saturday, Moe took responsibility for the lost seats, calling the election a “step backwards” for the party.

“We need to communicate better,” said Moe. He says people don’t just need to know what they’re doing in government, but why they’re doing it.

“We, at any level, cannot afford to take anything for granted.”

As part of its efforts to regain urban support — a marked shift in tone toward the federal government.

While Moe told reporters his government’s more cooperative approach to its federal counterparts owed some credit to the influence of the recently-minted Prime Minister Mark Carney — it’s also part of his party’s strategy to regain urban seats in Saskatchewan.

“We have to do better in how we engage,” said Moe.

“A touch more humility isn’t a bad thing.”

Saturday’s vote secures Moe’s position at the head of the party, but it’s no guarantee he’ll be at the helm for the 2028 election. He faces another leadership review in 2027.

Moe has already declared his intent to lead the party through another election campaign and, he hopes, to a record sixth term in government.

Right now, he says it’s all about building toward the next election.

“Our real goal here is very much about the next one,” said Moe.

Nominations for prospective candidates open early in the new year, and Moe says he wants the Sask. Party to “hit the ground running.”

“We want to immediately get to work to build a new team of candidates, starting from our urban centers up, and we’ll be working with constituency associations to find great, qualified candidates.”

Members also voted on an amendment to the party’s constitution that would strip voting powers from permanent residents and youth, and instead allow only adult Canadian citizens to vote on party matters.

Moe has said the move will allow the party’s voting rules to mirror those of Elections Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan NDP has been critical of the policy, with party leader Carla Beck warning in a statement on Saturday that it would “fuel hatred and bigotry.”

“My message to everyone looking to build a life here, participate in our democracy and give back to Saskatchewan is this — welcome. The Saskatchewan NDP invites you to our growing movement, to have a seat at our table."

During the policy vote, which required a two-thirds majority to pass, delegates held either a green or red card in the air to indicate their position.

After a brief debate and a failed motion to change the amendment, members held their cards aloft while counters walked through the room to tally.

The amendment carried.

-With files from Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press